Electrostimulation devices

ABSTRACT

A hand held electrostimulation device has a handle having a first side member and a second side member. At least one first electrode is provided on the first side member and at least one second electrode is provided on the second side member. The handle is configured so that a user can cause relative movement of the first and second side members from a rest position and is resiliently biased to return to the rest position to cause relative movement of the first and second electrodes to massage skin engaged by the electrodes while applying electricity to said skin via said electrodes.

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains materialthat is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has noobjection to the reproduction of the patent document or the patentdisclosure, as it appears in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office patentfile or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims benefit of the following patent application(s)which is/are hereby incorporated by reference: GB 0914981.6 filed Aug.28, 2009 and U.S. Ser. No. 12/870,361 filed Aug. 27, 2010.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to electrostimulation devices and particularly,but not exclusively to microcurrent electrostimulation devices that aresuitable for applying currents in the order of 10⁻⁶ amperes to the skinand underlying muscle of a user.

Previously proposed electrostimulation devices have tended to be of oneof two types—microcurrent devices that are configured to apply currentsin the order of 10⁻⁶ amperes to the skin and underlying muscle of a userand millicurrent devices that are configured to apply larger currents ofin the order of 10⁻³ amperes to the skin and underlying muscles of auser.

In general terms, millicurrent devices are designed to stimulate muscletissue and improve muscle tone by virtue of a process known as “passivegymnastics” where a current applied to the skin and underlying muscle ofa subject causes an involuntary rhythmic contraction of the muscles thatimproves muscle tone. Microcurrent devices are configured to apply muchsmaller currents. Treatments with a microcurrent device do not causemuscle contraction and tend to be barely detectable by the subject.

Microcurrent treatments have been shown to increase the amount of ATP(adenosine triphosphate) within the cells of a muscle. For example, astudy by Ngok Cheng, M.D. et al (“The Effects of Electric Currents onATP Generation, Protein Synthesis, and Membrane Transport in Rat Skin,”Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research, No. 171, November-December1982, pp. 264-271) showed that the application of a current of in theorder of 50 to 500 microamperes to the skin and underlying muscle of asubject causes an increase in mitochondria and protein synthesis in themuscle, an increase in aminoisobutyric acid uptake, an increase inprotein synthesis and Gluconeogenesis (biosynthesis of new glucose) anda 300-500% increase in ATP (Adenosine triphosphate) levels.

These dramatic increases in cellular ATP levels have been shown to helpmuscles retain a re-educated form for longer periods of time, and as aconsequence such techniques are of use in muscle toning treatments.However, for these benefits to be appreciable it is necessary to for themuscle to be manipulated (for example by extending or compressing themuscle) whilst the treatment is taking place. In a salon environmentthis is relatively easy to accomplish as microcurrent electrostimulationdevices typically comprise a pair of probes that can be used by atechnician during a treatment to manipulate the skin and muscle so thatthe muscle is forced into a desired form for re-education. Thiscontrasts with the home environment where subjects typically applymicrocurrent treatments to themselves without the assistance of anotherperson.

One previously proposed microcurrent electrostimulation device that isintended for personal rather than commercial use is the Rio® facialrejuvenator device offered for sale by The Dezac Group Ltd. This deviceis similar to commercial devices in that it comprises a pair of wandswith conducting tips that can be used to squeeze the skin and underlyingmuscle whilst a microcurrent is applied thereto. Whilst this device doesallow a subject to manipulate their skin and underlying muscle in thecourse of a muscle toning electrostimulation treatment, a problem withthe device is that the subject needs to look in a mirror to be able tolocate the wands on the skin and squeeze or lengthen the correct muscle.

Another previously proposed electrostimulation device is the NuFace®device from the Carol Cole Company (see WO2006/116728). This devicecomprises a hand-holdable housing from which a pair of electrodesproject and circuitry for establishing a potential difference betweenthe electrodes so that a microcurrent flows between the electrodes whenthe electrodes are placed on the skin.

A drawback with the NuFace® device is that as it can only be used in amanner in which the electrodes are brushed over the skin. It cannot beused for muscle toning treatments where the skin and muscle aremanipulated whilst the current is applied. As aforementioned, forelectrostimulation treatments that are designed to re-educate muscles(for example a cosmetic treatment to reduce the severity of wrinkles) itis preferred that the muscle be manipulated (for example squeezed orlengthened) whilst the treatment is undertaken so that the increasedcellular levels of ATP can retain the muscle in its re-educated form forlonger.

Another previously proposed device is the Tua Viso electrostimulationdevice from Vupiesse Italia (see EP 0603 451). This device is similar inconcept to the NuFace® device and is used in the same way by brushingthe electrodes over the surface of the skin to be treated. As aconsequence, the Tua Viso device suffers from the same drawbacks as theNuFace® device. A further problem is that whilst the Tua Viso device isdescribed as being a microcurrent device, tests have indicated that itactually applies a current that is closer to that a millicurrent devicewould produce.

Since research has shown that the application of a current of 600 microamps or more can actually reduce cellular ATP levels, the Tua Visodevice would not be suitable for enhancing retention of re-educatedmuscle form in the manner aforementioned. Also the application ofcurrents of this magnitude to delicate facial muscles can beuncomfortable, and that the characteristic muscle contractionsassociated with these higher current devices can actually worsen theappearance of lines and wrinkles in some areas of the face.

Iontophoresis is a known process in which charged particles arepropelled, non-invasively, through the dermis of a subject by means of arepulsive electromotive force that results from the application of anelectric field to a similarly charged particle (such as the particles ofa medicament or a cosmetic treatment). The applied electric field pushesthe particles deeper into the skin to achieve a better therapeutic orcosmetic effect.

In the context of electrostimulation devices it has previously beenproposed to provide electrolytic fluids that function to improve currentflow to the skin of the subject, and for these fluids to have a cosmeticor therapeutic effect. For example, in the context of the NuFace®device, it has been proposed to provide a conductivity gel that issmeared over the subject's face prior to use of the device, and anoptimizing mist that can be sprayed onto the gel to keep the gel moistduring a NuFace® treatment. Smearing a subject's face with gel isnecessarily quite messy and it is difficult to ensure that the gel isexactly where it is needed. Also cleaning the device after use can beproblematic.

The Tua Viso device has chambers that are associated with each of theelectrodes, and which can be filled with fluid or fluid-filledcartridges that are sealed with a breakable membrane. It is known tocover each of the electrodes of the Tua Viso device with a “spongeymaterial” that is humidified by the fluid to keep the skin dampenedduring use of the device. Whilst this arrangement is better than thatproposed for the NuFace® device, the electrode assemblies of the TuaViso device still need to be disassembled to be properly cleaned afteruse. The sponges can also be difficult to put on and take off, and thatthe need to purchase replacement cartridges and sponges cansubstantially increase the cost of using of the device.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides a hand held electrostimulation device comprising:a housing comprising a first housing part and a second housing part; atleast one first electrode carried by said first housing part and atleast one second electrode carried by said second housing part, and acontroller to control a supply of electricity to said electrodes,wherein said first and second electrodes are spaced apart and saidspacing is adjustable by relative movement of said first and secondhousing parts.

The invention also includes a method of cosmetic treatment of human skinusing a hand held electrostimulation device comprising: applying atleast one first electrode carried by a first housing part of said deviceand at least one second electrode carried by a second housing part ofsaid device to said skin; applying an electrical current to said skinvia said electrodes; and manipulating said skin by relative movement ofsaid first and second electrodes caused by relative movement of saidfirst and second housing parts that causes a spacing between said atleast one first electrode and said at least one second electrode tochange.

The invention also includes a hand held electrostimulation devicecomprising: a first housing member and a second housing member hingeconnected to said first housing member to permit relative movementbetween said housing members; at least one first electrode carried bysaid first housing member; at least one second electrode carried by saidsecond housing member; a control element to control a supply ofelectrical current to said electrodes; and at least one biasing memberto bias said first and second housing members to a predetermined restposition that defines a first spacing between said at least one firstelectrode and said at least one second electrode, said spacing beingchanged by relative movement of said first and second housing membersagainst said at least one biasing member to a non-rest position at whichsaid at least one biasing member operates to return said first andsecond housing members to said rest position to assist in a musclemanipulation activity.

The invention also includes a hand held electrostimulation devicecomprising a casing carrying a first electrode, a second electrode and acontrol device to control a supply of electricity to said first andsecond electrodes, at least one of said first and second electrodesbeing movable to permit a spacing between said electrodes to be variedand at least one of said first and second electrodes being provided witha holder for a removable fluid-filled applicator whereby fluid from asaid fluid-filled applicator held in a said holder and electricity fromsaid first and second electrodes can be at least substantiallysimultaneously applied to skin of a user.

The invention also includes a method of treatment of human skin using ahand held electrostimulation device that comprises a casing thatsupports a first electrode and a second electrode such that a spacingbetween said electrodes can be varied, at least one of said electrodesbeing provided with a holder for a fluid-filled applicator, said methodcomprising: loading a fluid-filled applicator to said holder; supplyingan electrical current to said electrodes; and applying saidelectrostimulation device to said skin such that electricity from saidelectrodes and fluid from said fluid filled applicator are applied atleast substantially simultaneously to said skin.

The invention also includes an electrostimulation device comprising: ahand-holdable housing; first and second electrodes; a control interfacethat is user operable to couple a source of electricity to saidelectrodes; and a holder for a fluid-bearing cotton bud; the devicebeing configured to enable fluid from said cotton bud to be applied toskin of a user as electricity is supplied to said skin.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the invention may be well understood, some embodimentsthereof, which are given by way of example only, will now be describedwith reference to the drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first example of a hand heldelectrostimulation device;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of a display of the device;

FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of a user interface of the device;

FIG. 5 shows one operating condition of the device;

FIG. 6 shows another operating condition of the device;

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing electrical components of the device;

FIG. 8 is a schematic representation of a second example of a hand heldelectrostimulation device;

FIG. 9 shows electrodes of the device shown in FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a schematic representation of a fluid-filled swab for usewith the device of FIG. 8;

FIG. 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view through an electrode of thedevice shown in FIG. 8;

FIG. 12 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a swab such as that shownin FIG. 10 installed in an electrode as shown in FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a third example of a hand heldelectrostimulation device;

FIG. 14 is a schematic partial side view illustrating an optionalbiasing element that may be included in the device of FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is a schematic partial side view illustrating another optionalbiasing element that may be included in the device of FIG. 13; and

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a fourth example of a hand heldelectrostimulation device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIGS. 1 and 2 show a hand held electrostimulation device 1 with acharging cradle 3. The device 1 comprises a hand-holdable housing 5 thatis configured to fit in the hand of a normal adult user for one-handedoperation. The housing 5 comprises a first housing part 7 and a secondhousing part 9 that are joined to one another by a hinge 11 disposed atone end region of the device. The hinge 11 forms a pivot axis aboutwhich the first and second parts 7, 9 can move relative to one another.

The charging cradle 3 is configured to be plugged into a mains poweroutlet (not shown) and includes a socket 13. The socket 13 is shaped toreceive the end region of the device at which the hinge 11 is disposed.The socket 13 includes a plurality of electrical connectors (not shown)that are capable of coupling with connectors (not shown) in the device 1when the device is supported in the cradle 3 to enable a battery in thedevice 1 to be recharged. Suitable electrical connectors and chargingstations for hand held devices will be known to those skilled in the artand will, therefore, not be described in detail herein. It will beunderstood that it is not essential that battery charging is by way ofcontact technology and that the cradle 3 and device 1 may be equippedfor non-contact charging by, for example, an inductive charging system.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the respective ends of the first and secondhousing parts 7, 9 distal from the hinge 11 have at least one electrode15 (in this particular example two electrodes) projecting therefrom. Theelectrodes 15 are to supply electrical energy to the skin and muscle ofa user, particularly but not exclusively to facial skin and muscle.

The device 1 may be provided with a cap 17 that can be fitted over theelectrodes 15 when the device 1 is in a fully closed position (shown inFIG. 1) to keep the electrodes clean. In one envisaged example a lockingmechanism may be provided to keep the device in the fully closedposition. Such a locking mechanism may also be used to keep the devicein a fully closed condition when the device is to be operated in alines/wrinkles mode where muscle manipulation is not required. In theexample illustrated in FIG. 6, the locking mechanism comprises ahook-like projection 50 provided on the first housing part 7 that can bereceived in a suitable recess 52 provided in the second housing part 9and a locking member (not visible) within the second housing part thatcan be slid into locking engagement with the projection 50 by means of aslider 54 provided in a recess on a side surface of the second housingpart. In another envisaged implementation, fitting the cap 17 over theelectrodes 15 may be sufficient to keep the device in its fully closedcondition.

The device 1 may be provided resilient biasing members 18 that arearranged to urge the first and second housing parts 7, 9 away from oneanother to the rest position shown in FIGS. 2 and 5. In the illustratedexample, the resilient biasing members are torsion springs that aremounted on the hinge axis. Each torsion spring has two arms that aresecured in respective recesses provided in the first and second housingparts 7, 9. In the rest position, the ends 14 of the first and secondhousing parts 7, 9 are slightly spaced from one another. As illustratedby FIG. 6, the ends 14 of the first and second housing parts 7, 9 can bemoved against the biasing members 18 to increase the spacing between theelectrodes 15 and as illustrated by FIG. 1, the housing parts can bebrought together against the biasing members to reduce the spacingbetween the electrodes.

The biasing force provided by the biasing members 18 can assist the userin manipulating skin tissue by stretching or compressing a muscle whileelectrical current is applied to the skin. For example if the userwishes to manipulate skin tissue by compressing a muscle, the user canmove the housing parts 7, 9 from the rest position shown in FIG. 5 to amore open position in which the spacing between the electrodes 15 isincreased and once the electrodes are placed against the skin, allow thebiasing members to move the electrodes towards one another by simplyrelaxing their grip on the housing 5. Similarly, when the user wishes tostretch a muscle, the electrodes 15 can be placed against the skin withthe device 1 in the fully closed position shown in FIG. 1 and thebiasing members 18 then allowed to urge the electrodes apart by the usersimply relaxing their grip on the housing 5. This is advantageous as theskin and muscle should be manipulated whilst being electricallystimulated if the muscle is to retain its re-educated form for longer.

Referring now to FIG. 3, the first part 7 of the housing 5 includes adisplay screen 19 to display various items of information to the user ofthe device. The screen 19 includes an icon 21 which indicates the stateof charge of a battery contained within the device (which battery canpreferably be recharged by means of the charging cradle 3). The screen19 also provides a visual indication of a selected operatingmode/program by means of icons 25 that indicate whether the device is tobe used in a “toning” mode (in which the muscle is manipulated duringthe treatment) or a “lines/wrinkles” mode (in which the electrodes aremerely brushed over the skin's surface). Further icons 27 are providedto indicate which program has been selected for the chosen modeindicated by icons 25. Lastly, the screen 19 displays an indication 29of the time remaining for a given treatment.

The first housing part 7 is also provided with a control panel 31 thathas a plurality of buttons (or other user operable input devices) thatcan be operated to control the way in which the device 1 functions.Referring to FIG. 4, the control panel 31 includes an on/off switch 33to switch the device on and off, a mode select button 35 to switch thedevice between the “toning” and “lines/wrinkles” modes and a “prog”button 37 to select a desired program for the selected mode (in thisinstance there being three different programs available for each mode).Finally, the control panel 31 includes a start button 39 that whenpressed starts a selected program.

In one example, the device 1 is configured so that the “toning” (i.e.muscle lifting) mode subjects the skin and underlying muscle of the userto a lower frequency electrical stimulus than the “lines/wrinkles”operating mode. In addition, in one example, the device may use analternating polarity square wave signal for the toning mode and a fixedpolarity sine wave signal for the lines/wrinkles mode. By fixed polaritywe mean that current flows in one direction from one electrode to theother, and by alternating polarity we mean that the current flowsfirstly in one direction between the electrodes, following which thepolarity is reversed and the current flows back in the oppositedirection.

In the lines/wrinkles mode the electrodes are merely brushed over theskin to effect a surface treatment of the user's skin and in thisoperating mode the locking means (when provided) may be operated to lockthe first and second housing parts 7, 9 together. In the toning mode,however, the skin and underlying muscle of the user is manipulatedwhilst the treatment is ongoing, for example by squeezing the skin andmuscle between the electrodes 15, or by using the electrodes to stretchthe skin and muscle of the user.

An example of three programs for the two operating modes is shown in thetable below.

Program Toning Mode Lines/Wrinkles Mode 1 0.9 Hz; 150 uA square 500 Hz,150 uA sine wave, fixed wave, alternating polarity polarity 2 0.7 Hz 300uA square 500 Hz, 300 uA sine wave, fixed wave, alternating polaritypolarity 3 0.3 Hz 600 uA square 500 Hz, 600 uA sine wave, fixed wave,alternating polarity polarity

Referring now to FIG. 7 the device 1 includes a battery 41 that ispreferably rechargeable by means of the charging cradle 3. The device 1also includes a controller 43 (for example a processor) thatincorporates a battery charging module 45 which controls the rechargingof battery 41 via a charging cradle interface 47 which electricallyconnects to contacts in the charging cradle 3 when the device 1 isdocked in the cradle.

The controller 43 includes a sound generator module 49 to generatesounds output by a speaker 51. The speaker 51 may output audible beepswhilst the device is being operated to stimulate a muscle. For example,the speaker 51 may output a short beep each second during operation ofthe device 1 followed by a longer beep after five seconds to indicatethat treatment for that particular muscle has been completed. Whenoperating in the toning mode, the speaker 51 may emit a short beep everysecond and then a long beep on the 6th second to signal to the user thatthey should move the device to a new muscle—the long beep only ceasingwhen contact with the skin is broken. When the device 1 is used in thelines/wrinkles mode the speaker 51 may emit a higher pitched beep everyhalf second and then emit a long beep after 30 seconds to signal to theuser to move onto another area of the face. Since audio beeps maysometimes be unnecessary or annoying, the device 1 may be provided witha mute switch 53 that when actuated will cause the controller 43 to turnoff the sound generator module 49.

The controller 43 includes a mode/program selector module 55 that isresponsive to the mode button 35 and program button 37 of the userinterface 31 to select a desired operating mode and program. Thecontroller 43 further comprises a signal generator 57 that is configuredto generate an electrical signal in accordance with a selectedmode/program for application to the electrodes 15. The controller 43further comprises a clock module 59 that generates timing signals whichare used by the controller to control the duration of any given program.

The controller 43 may be embodied by means of a processor runningappropriate software, or by means of one or more application specificintegrated circuits and/or other hard wired circuitry.

Because the first and second housing parts 7, 9 can move relative to oneanother, the user is able to manipulate the skin and underlying muscleby means of a device that can readily be used with one hand. Forexample, the user can manipulate the skin and tissue by squeezing itbetween the electrodes 15 or by using the electrodes to stretch the skinand muscle. When a user of the device 1 wishes to manipulate skin tissueby using the electrodes 15 to compress a muscle, the first and secondhousing parts can be moved apart from the rest condition shown in FIG. 5and biasing members 18 will act to return the ends 14 towards theposition shown in FIG. 5 and, as such, assist the user in compressingthe muscle between the electrodes 15. When the user wishes to manipulatethe skin to stretch a muscle, the device can be held in the fully closedposition shown in FIG. 1, the electrodes 15 pressed against the skin andthen the hold on the housing 5 relaxed to allow the biasing members 18to urge the ends 14 of the first and second housing parts 7, 9 apart,thereby stretching the skin (and underlying muscle) against which theelectrodes bear. Thus the biasing members 18 assist the user inmanipulating the skin and muscle to which an electrical current is to beapplied. This is particularly advantageous given that, asaforementioned, the skin and muscle should be manipulated whilst beingelectrically stimulated if the muscle is to retain its re-educated formfor longer.

The device 1 can also be used to apply an electric current to the skinsurface by brushing the electrodes 15 over the skin's surface.

FIG. 8 shows another electrostimulation device 61. The device 61includes many components that are the same as or similar to those of thedevice 1. In the drawings, such components have been assigned the samereference numerals and to avoid unnecessary repetition of descriptionmay not be described again. The device 61 is configured to enable thespacing between the electrodes 15 carried by the first and secondhousing parts 7, 9 to be varied in the same way as the device 1.

The electrodes 15 of the device 61 are configured for use with fluidbearing applicators, such as the cotton buds described in U.S. Pat. No.5,702,035—i.e. cotton buds that carry or contain a fluid within them. Asshown in FIG. 10 (and as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,702,035), suchcotton buds 62 comprise a tube 63 that carries a measure of fluid (suchas a serum, medicament or beauty treatment) and is circumferentiallyscored to form a break line 65. The ends of the tube 63 are providedwith respective cotton bud applicators 67, 69 of the type used forconventional cotton buds (for example, the Q-Tip™ brand of cotton buds).In use the tube 63 is broken at the break line 65, whereupon the fluidwithin the tube is drawn to the cotton bud applicator 69 distal from thebreak line 65 for application to the skin of the user.

The electrodes 15 of the device 61 are able to act as a support for afluid-bearing cotton bud 62 to enable fluid to be dispensed onto theskin of the user whilst an electric current (preferably a microcurrent)is applied thereto). FIG. 8 shows the electrostimulation device 61 witheach of the four electrodes 15 loaded with a cotton bud 62 and FIG. 9shows the device with only two of the four electrodes loaded.

As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the electrodes 15 of the device 61 eachcomprise a base part 71 that is coupled to the respective housing parts7, 9 and a section 73 that projects from the base part. The section 73defines a cavity 75 that is sized so that the tube 63 of a fluid bearingcotton bud 62 (or indeed any other similarly sized swab, fluid-bearingor otherwise) may be friction fitted and retained within the cavity 75(as shown in FIG. 12). Once fitted within the cavities 75, the cottonbuds 62 are able to deliver their fluid content directly to theparticular part of the skin to which the current is being applied, andthus create much less mess than other previously proposed arrangements.The cotton buds can quickly and easily be changed when exhausted and thedevice itself can quickly and easily be cleaned. Furthermore, as anelectrical microcurrent is supplied to the skin via the cottonapplicators 69 of the cotton buds 62, the device can be used to performfor iontophoresis.

It should be understood that the electrostimulation device 61 may beconfigured to use other forms of fluid delivery applicator. For examplethe fluid delivery applicator may comprise a pad made of cotton or othermaterial provided at either end of a tube that carries a fluid. Itshould also be noted that the term “cotton bud” is not intended to referto any one particular brand of applicator.

In the examples illustrated by FIGS. 1 to 12, the first and secondhousing parts 7, 9 pivot with respect to one another to vary thedistance between the electrodes 15. This is not essential as the housingparts may move relative to one another in other ways. For example, thehousing parts may be configured to vary the distance between theelectrodes by a relative sliding or rotational movement of the first andsecond housing parts. Still further ways in which the housing parts maymove relative to one another to vary the distance between the electrodeswill be described below with reference to FIGS. 13 to 16.

In the examples illustrated by FIGS. 1 to 12, the biasing members 18 aretorsion springs that are disposed about the pivot axis defined by thehinge 11. Other forms of biasing member may be used and there may bejust one biasing member or more than two. The biasing member(s) may, forexample, be suitably positioned compression or tension springs, orsuitably positioned members, such as blocks or pads, made of a resilientmaterial such as an elastomer.

In the example illustrated in FIG. 6, the locking mechanism comprises aprojection 50 engageable with in a recess 52. Examples of other suitableforms of locking mechanism include a detachable clip or ring that can befitted in engagement with a suitable a suitable formation(s), such asrecess(es) provided on or in the housing 5. Such a clip or ring may fitto the housing by, for example, snap-fitting. Another example is ahinged latch arm provided on one housing part that can be latch into asuitable recess provided on the other housing part.

The examples illustrated by FIGS. 1 to 12, comprise a rechargeablebattery that is sealed within one of the housing part 7. However,non-rechargeable batteries can be used, in which case one of the housingparts would be provided with a user accessible battery compartment.Another alternative would be for the device to be powered by an externalelectrical power supply, in which case the device may be supplied with acable with and an external transformer for transforming a mainselectrical power supply into a supply suitable for use by the device.

FIG. 13 shows another hand held electrostimulation device 91. The device91 includes components that are the same as, or similar to, those of thehand held electrostimulation devices 1, 61. In FIG. 13, such componentshave been assigned the same reference numerals and to avoid unnecessaryrepetition of description may not be described again.

The hand held electrostimulation device 91 comprises a handle 5 that isconfigured to fit in the hand of a normal adult user for one-handedoperation. The handle 5 comprises a first side member 7 and a secondside member 9. The first and second side members 7, 9 each have a freeend from which at least one electrode 15 projects. The opposite ends 12of the side members 7, 9 are linked by an arcuate member 14. Theconfiguration of the side members 7, 9 and arcuate member 14 is suchthat the handle 5 has a generally U-shaped profile. In the illustratedexample, each side member 7, 9 carries two electrodes, although, inother examples there may be just one electrode or more than twoelectrodes provided on each side member. The electrodes 15 may be solidor configured for use with fluid bearing applicators, for example, asdisclosed with reference to FIGS. 8 to 12.

The hand held electrostimulation device 91 may have a display screen 19,which may, for example, be the same as or similar to the display screendescribed with reference to FIGS. 1 and 3. The device 91 may also beprovided with a control panel 31, which may, for example be the same asor similar to the control panel described with reference to FIGS. 1 and4. The device 91 may also be provided with a controller, which may bethe same as, or similar to, the controller 43 described above withreference to FIG. 7.

The hand held electrostimulation device 91 may be battery powered. Thehandle 5 may be provided with a compartment (not shown) to house abattery(ies), which may be one-time use or rechargeable. Alternatively,the handle 5 may carry a sealed in battery that is rechargeable via acharging plug/socket arrangement or by non-contact charging, for exampleby inductive charging. Examples that have a battery(ies) rechargeablevia a plug/socket arrangement may include an electrical connectorconfigured to engage an electrical connector provided in a cradle suchas the cradle 3 shown in FIG. 1.

The handle 5 may be a one-piece component made of a suitable plastics orpolymer material. The handle may, for example be formed by molding. Thehandle 5 is configured such that a user can one-handedly cause relativemovement of the first and second side members 7, 9 while holding theelectrodes 15 against their skin. The handle 15 is resiliently biased toa rest position so that when the user relaxes the force that has beenapplied to the handle to move the first and second side members 7, 9 tofrom the rest position, the side members, and so the electrodes 15, aremoved back towards the rest position. In some examples, one or morebiasing elements may be provided to provide the resilient bias. Forexample, as illustrated by FIG. 14, a biasing element 93 may beprovided. The biasing element 93 may be a plate, or leaf, spring havinga curvature at least substantially corresponding to the curvature of thearcuate member 14. The biasing element 93 may be disposed within thehandle 5 as shown in FIG. 14 or fitted to an inner or outer surface ofthe handle, for example by embedding in a recess defined by the handle.In other examples, as illustrated by FIG. 15, a biasing element 95 mayextend between the side members 7, 9. The biasing element(s) 95 may be acompression or tension spring(s) according to the desired functionality.In some examples, it may not be necessary to provide a biasingelement(s) to provide the resilient bias. Instead, the functionality ofthe biasing element(s) may be provided by the resilience of the materialfrom which the handle 5 is made. In some examples, the resilient biasmay be provided by the handle material in combination with one or morebiasing elements.

The hand held electrostimulation device 91 may be operated in the same,or a similar, fashion to the hand held electrostimulation devices 1, 61as described above and so to avoid unnecessary repetition ofdescription, a detailed description of the device 91 is not providedhere.

FIG. 16 shows modifications that may be made to the hand heldelectrostimulation device 91. In this example, the controller, controlpanel, display screen and power supply are all omitted from the handle 5and incorporated in one or more housings 97 that may be connected withthe handle by one or more flexible electrical conductors, or leads, 99.The connection may be made using plugs and sockets, or may be permanent.It will be understood it is not essential that all of the controller,control panel, display screen and power supply are omitted from thehandle and that one or more may be provided on the handle. For example,it may be convenient to have a display or input control functionalityprovided on the handle, while having the controller and power supplyprovided separately in a housing(s) 97.

In other examples, a hand held electrostimulation device having a handlesimilar to the handles shown in FIGS. 13 and 16 may have respective sidemembers connected to a line by respective pivot connections at theirinner ends.

The illustrated examples provide a hand held electrostimulation deviceby means of which a user can conveniently adjust the spacing of theelectrodes and thereby grip or stretch a muscle in the course of amuscle toning treatment using just one hand and without the aid of amirror or the like. In some examples, the muscle is manipulated byrelative movement of the electrodes while they are in direct contactwith the skin, while in other examples, the manipulation may be viafluid applicators held by the electrodes. In each case, musclemanipulation is achievable by one-handed operation while electricityfrom the electrodes is applied to the skin. The illustrated devices canalso be used for a lines/wrinkle treatment where the electrodes arebrushed over the surface of the user's skin.

The hand held electrostimulation devices 61, 91 allow the use of a fluidbearing applicator to deliver its fluid content directly to theparticular part of the skin to which the current is being applied, andthus create much less mess than is the case with known devices andprocedures. The fluid bearing applicator, such as the illustrated cottonbud can quickly and easily be changed when exhausted and after use, thedevice itself can quickly and easily be cleaned. Furthermore, examplesof the device that allow the electrical current to be supplied to theskin via a fluid bearing applicator are particularly well-suited foriontophoresis.

Thus, although there have been described particular embodiments of thepresent invention of a new and useful Electrostimulation Devices it isnot intended that such references be construed as limitations upon thescope of this invention except as set forth in the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A hand held electrostimulation skin massage device comprising: a handle comprising a first side member and a second side member, said handle having a length defining a lengthways direction of the skin massage device; at least one first electrode provided on said first side member, said at least one first electrode having a free end; and at least one second electrode provided on said second side member, said at least one second electrode having a free end, wherein said first and second side members each have a free end, said at least one first electrode extends beyond said free end of said first side member in said lengthways direction and said at least one second electrode extends beyond said free end of said second side member in said lengthways direction, and wherein said first and second electrodes are spaced apart and said handle is configured such that a user's hand can cause relative movement of said first and second side members from a rest position and is resiliently biased to return said first and second side members to said rest position to cause relative movement of said first and second electrodes to adjust said spacing between said first and second electrodes to a provide skin massage while applying electricity to said skin via said free ends of said first and second electrodes.
 2. A device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first and second side members have respective inner ends that are connected by an arcuate connection member.
 3. A device as claimed in claim 2, wherein said handle is generally U-shaped.
 4. A device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first and second side members have respective inner ends, said first and second side members are linked at said inner ends and said relative movement of said first and second side members is centered in a portion of said handle disposed between said inner ends.
 5. A device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first and second side members are movable from said rest position to increase said spacing between said first and second electrodes and said resilient bias is configured to return said first and second housing parts to said rest position.
 6. A device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first and second side members are movable from said rest position to decrease said spacing between said first and second electrodes and said resilient bias is configured to return said first and second housing parts to said rest position.
 7. A device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said handle comprises at least a handle portion made of a resilient material configured to provide said resilient bias.
 8. A device as claimed in claim 7, wherein said handle portion is disposed between said first and second side members.
 9. A device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said handle is a one-piece member.
 10. A hand held electrostimulation skin massage device comprising: a handle comprising a first side member and a second side member; at least one first electrode provided on said first side member, said at least one first electrode having a free end; at least one second electrode provided on said second side member, said at least one second electrode having a free end; and at least one holder for a fluid-bearing applicator to hold a said applicator so as to enable fluid from said applicator to be applied to skin to which electricity is supplied via said electrodes, wherein said first and second side members each have a free end, said at least one first electrode extends from said free end of said first side member and said at least one second electrode extends from said free end of said second side member, and wherein said first and second electrodes are spaced apart and said handle is configured such that a user's hand can cause relative movement of said first and second side members from a rest position and is resiliently biased to return said first and second side members to said rest position to cause relative movement of said first and second electrodes to adjust said spacing between said first and second electrodes to a provide skin massage while applying electricity to said skin via said free ends of said first and second electrodes.
 11. A device as claimed in claim 10, wherein said at least one said holder comprises a cavity defined by a said electrode.
 12. A device as claimed in claim 11, wherein electricity from said electrodes is applied to said skin via a said fluid bearing applicator held in said at least one holder.
 13. A device as claimed in claim 10, comprising a said fluid-bearing applicator friction-fitted in said at least one holder.
 14. A device as claimed in claim 13, wherein said fluid-bearing applicator carries a cosmetic or therapeutic fluid.
 15. A hand held electrostimulation skin massage device comprising: a handle comprising a first side member and a second side member; at least one first electrode provided on said first side member, said at least one first electrode having a free end; at least one second electrode provided on said second side member, said at least one second electrode having a free end; and at least one resilient biasing element connected with said handle, wherein said first and second side members each have a free end, said at least one first electrode extends from said free end of said first side member and said at least one second electrode extends from said free end of said second side member, and wherein said first and second electrodes are spaced apart and said handle is configured such that a user's hand can cause relative movement of said first and second side members from a rest position and is resiliently biased by said at least one resilient biasing element to return said first and second side members to said rest position to cause relative movement of said first and second electrodes to adjust said spacing between said first and second electrodes to a provide skin massage while applying electricity to said skin via said free ends of said first and second electrode.
 16. A hand held electrostimulation skin massage device comprising: a handle comprising a first side member and a second side member connected with said first side member to permit relative movement between said side members; at least one first electrode carried by said first side member, said at least one first electrode having a free end; at least one second electrode carried by said second side member, said at least second electrode having a free end; and at least one biasing member to bias said first and second side members to a predetermined rest position that defines a spacing between said at least one first electrode and said at least one second electrode, wherein said handle has a length defining a lengthways direction of the handle and each said side member has an inner side, an outer side disposed opposite said inner side and a free end extending between said inner and outer sides, wherein said at least one first electrode projects beyond said free end of said first side member in said lengthways direction and said at least one second electrode projects beyond said free end of said second side member in said lengthways direction, and wherein said handle is configured such that a user can change said spacing by one-handed manipulation of said handle to cause relative movement of said first and second side members against said at least one biasing member and said at least one biasing member operates to return said first and second side members to said rest position to simultaneously massage and apply electricity through said free ends of said first and second electrodes to skin of said user with which said free ends of said first and second electrodes are engaged.
 17. An electrostimulation skin massage device comprising: a hand held housing comprising a first side member and a second side member; a first electrode carried by said first side member, said first electrode configured to hold a fluid applicator, said first electrode having a free end; a second electrode carried by said second side member, said second electrode configured to hold a fluid applicator, said second electrode having a free end; and a user operable control interface operable to couple a source of electricity to said electrodes, wherein said handle is resiliently biased to a rest position at which a rest spacing between said first and second electrodes is defined, wherein said handle is configured to permit a user to permit a user to hold said handle in one hand and manipulate said handle with said one hand to cause relative movement of said first and second side members against said resilient bias to change the spacing between said first and second electrodes, and wherein said resilient bias is configured to return said handle to said rest position so that skin of said user which is engaged by respective fluid applicators projecting from said free ends of said first and second electrodes can be manipulated by relative movement of said first and second electrodes that is transmitted to said skin via said fluid applicators while electricity from said electrodes is applied to said skin via said fluid applicators.
 18. A device as claimed in claim 17, further comprising at least one resilient biasing element connected with said handle to provide said resilient bias.
 19. A device as claimed in claim 17, wherein said handle comprises at least a handle portion made of a resilient material configured to provide said resilient bias.
 20. A device as claimed in claim 17, wherein said handle is a one-piece member.
 21. A method of treatment of human skin using an electrostimulation skin massage device comprising a hand held housing comprising a first housing part and a second housing part that is connected with said first housing part such that said second housing part is movable relative to said first housing part, said method comprising: applying a free end of a first electrode carried by said first housing part of said device and a free end of a second electrode carried by said second housing part of said device to said skin; applying an electrical current to said skin via said free ends of said electrodes; and manipulating said skin by relative movement of said first and second electrodes caused by relative movement of said first and second housing parts that causes a spacing between said first electrode and second electrode to change.
 22. A method of treatment of human skin using an electrostimulation skin massage device comprising a hand held housing comprising a first housing part and a second housing part that is connected with said first housing part such that said second housing part is movable relative to said first housing part, said method comprising: applying a first fluid applicator that projects from a free end of a first electrode carried by said first housing part of said device and a second fluid applicator that projects from a free end of a second electrode carried by said second housing part of said device to said skin; applying an electrical current to said skin via said first and second fluid applicators; and manipulating said skin by relative movement of said first and second electrodes caused by relative movement of said first and second housing parts that causes a spacing between said first electrode and second electrode to change. 